Ripon’s torchbearers ready for the relay

Five torchbearers set to carry the Olympic flame through the city’s streets as the relay arrives on June 19.

Lena Conlin and John Skinner, as well as 12-year-old Nidderdale school boy Robert Heaton, Izzie Fenton, 13, from Yarm, and Lewis Birkinshaw, 17, from Bradford, will run the relay through Ripon.

Torchbearer John Skinner (S)

Lena and John have both been chosen for the voluntary work they do in the community around Ripon.

Lena works as a teaching assistant at Outwood Academy Ripon and raises money for charity by running marathons, as well as volunteering at Ripon’s Red Triangle Theatre Group.

“It’s such an honour to be representing our community in our community. I was prepared to do it anywhere because it’s such an honour and responsibility, but it’s extra nice to be able to do it in your home town,” she said.

John started North Stainley’s junior cricket club in 2002 and had been involved with it ever since. He said: “It’s just great to be involved. I am a big lover of sport and it’s something I will always remember.”

Torchbearer Jack Heaton, 12.

Torchbearer Robert Heaton, 12 - known as Jack to his friends - is from Darley, and is a student at Nidderdale High, where there was great excitement in school when news came of Jack’s place in the relay.

Jack is captain of his Under-12 rugby team in Ripon and has represented his school for rugby, football and cricket. He is described as “kind and caring” and is a popular student with his classmates and teachers.

Two more torchbearers will take part in Ripon – Izzie Fenton from Yarm who is described as an “inspiration” for her achievements at school and her positive attitude despite suffering from Cystic Fibrosis, and Lewis Birkinshaw who is “Citizen of the Year” at his school in Bradford, and is described as a “consistently a positive role model” for his schoolmates.